Art forgers: geniuses or con artists?

Tracing the footsteps of deception through art history.

Imagine that some of the artworks currently on the art market are actually forgeries. To the general public, this may seem hard to believe, yet it is very much a reality.

Art forgeries are not simply copies or imitations. They tell stories of passion, cunning, ambition, and, sometimes, even despair. Over time, talented forgers have managed to deceive experts, collectors, and institutions, even succeeding in placing their works within the most prestigious circles of the art market.

But why become a forger? What motivates these artists to reproduce the works of the great masters? Is it the lure of money, the pursuit of recognition, the desire to deceive experts, or simply the pleasure of taking on an artistic challenge?

These are the questions Stéphanie Breydel will explore during her lecture, "Art Forgeries." Through the history and techniques behind these works, she will reveal the stories, secrets, and methods of some of the most famous art forgers of our time.

A fascinating journey behind the scenes of the art market, where artistic genius, manipulation, and deception intersect.

speaker

An art historian and archaeologist, with additional qualifications as an antique expert and art dealer, Stéphanie Breydel de Groeninghe possesses dual expertise in both ancient and contemporary art. She has worked with gallerists before joining AXA Art, and later Hiscox for Private Clients and Art in Europe. Leveraging her experience in art collection management, she established the AXA Luxembourg collection and contributed to the management of art collections for other companies in Luxembourg. In these roles, Stéphanie organized numerous private and public events, as well as guided tours for businesses and their clients during major international art fairs. As a speaker, she shares her expertise, knowledge, and passion for art, enriching the dialogue in this fascinating field. She also advises international family offices and private banks, providing tailored services to their private clients for the management and curation of their art collections. In 2023, she co-founded Ts’Art, a platform dedicated to bridging the worlds of business and art.

Art forgers: geniuses or con artists?

Stéphanie Breydel de Groeninghe

Become a member

Reach us

Art forgers: geniuses or con artists?

Stéphanie Breydel de Groeninghe

Become a member

Reach us

Newsletter